I agree, I think that’s a likely route for Canada. A small F-35 order, supplemented by continually upgraded 4++ aircraft that can be built in country is a good strategy to mitigate all risk factors. It doesn’t give Canada the best option for really any scenario, but it gives them a good option for every one. With loyal wingman aircraft, and drones proliferating in general. Its likely 4 gen aircraft will have more usable roles countering and supplementing new air tactics as nations adapt to technologies. So even if 4 gen aircraft lose the ability to be front line strike and intercepter aircraft, they likely can still be productive members of the system. Saab commitment to the Gripen platform likely means Canada can continue integrating high level electronics for a long time. With proper investment in air defense systems, I think this strategy could get Canada to a 6th gen replacement from Europe while still maintaining a credible deterrent posture.

Certain blackberries are deeply irritating invasive species. Delicious, but an outright menace that can destroy local forests. Methods to control them are extensive and extreme. Never eat road side blackberries in the US, certain states use herbicide to stem the tide. Bushes next to highways are more likely to be sprayed. Low pedestrian traffic and cheaper maintenance than cutting them back.

Most people don’t really understand the problem. It’s either make a deal with an ally run by lunatics, or suffer a decade long capability gap that your military may not be able to overcome.

There are no other 5th gen options, and 4++ are becoming more vulnerable with the proliferation of effective air defense. The first available 6th gen outside of US export controls will be on the wrong side of 2030.

This is an incredibly difficult choice for Canada with no perfect options.

Both China and Russia are expanding their arctic presence. The US is electing nationalist demagogues on a platform of betraying our allies. It’s possible Canada may have a peer to peer conflict in the next 5 to 10 years. Canada possibly can’t afford that big of a capability gap if that’s the case.

Honestly I didnt get it until I switched, but its fun to talk about. I was never really that interested in my operating system before switching, but now I’m reading a book on how linux works and genuinely enjoying learning from all these online linux communities.